Green Bay Packers Receive Encouraging Aaron Banks Update as Training Camp Opens
The Green Bay Packers got some good news on the offensive line before the first full day of training camp.
Just one day after placing left guard Aaron Banks on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Packers activated him, signaling that whatever issue sidelined him wasn’t expected to keep him out for an extended period. For a team counting on Banks to play a major role in 2026, the timing couldn’t be much better.
Green Bay Packers Activate Aaron Banks
When Green Bay initially announced Banks would begin camp on the PUP list, it immediately raised eyebrows.
The veteran guard is coming off a disappointing and injury-filled 2025 season, and the Packers need him to be a stabilizing force on an offensive line undergoing multiple changes. Seeing him unavailable before camp even started naturally led to questions about his health and readiness for the season.
Those concerns were at least partially eased Wednesday. The Packers activated both Banks and defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse from the PUP list before the first full practice, a strong indication that neither injury is viewed as a long-term issue.
Not Fully Back Yet
While Banks was removed from the PUP list, he wasn’t a full participant. According to reports from camp, he worked through individual drills but did not take part in team portions of practice. That creates a mixed picture.
The good news is that he’s healthy enough to be back on the practice field. The less encouraging news is that he’s still missing valuable reps alongside an offensive line that needs time to build chemistry before the regular season begins.
With Jordan Morgan expected to start at left tackle and Sean Rhyan transitioning into the starting center role, every practice rep matters.
Packers Need More From Banks in 2026
The reality is that Banks enters this season under significant pressure.
Green Bay signed him to a massive contract in 2025 with the expectation that he would strengthen the offensive line in front of quarterback Jordan Love. Instead, injuries and inconsistent play made his first season with the Packers largely forgettable.
According to Pro Football Focus, Banks surrendered two sacks and 28 pressures last season while posting underwhelming run-blocking grades.
That’s not the level of play Green Bay envisioned when it made such a significant financial commitment.
At some point, the Packers need to see a return on that investment.
Competition Is Important, But Banks Remains the Favorite
Banks doesn’t appear to be in danger of losing his starting job today.
However, Green Bay’s offensive line has more competition than it did a year ago. Young players continue to push for opportunities, and the Packers have shown they aren’t afraid to make changes if a starter isn’t performing.
The organization would undoubtedly prefer that Banks secure the position by playing well rather than forcing coaches into difficult decisions.
That’s why his health remains so important.
Week 1 Is the Real Goal
Ultimately, the Packers aren’t worried about winning the first day of training camp.
They’re worried about having their best offensive line on the field when they open the season against the Minnesota Vikings.
That’s where this news becomes encouraging.
Instead of facing an extended absence, Banks is already back working toward a return. The Packers can now gradually increase his workload while allowing him to continue recovering from last season’s issues.
It’s far too early to declare victory, but Green Bay received exactly the update it wanted.
Aaron Banks is off the PUP list, back on the practice field, and moving in the right direction. For a Packers team that needs improved protection for Jordan Love in 2026, that’s a very positive start to training camp.
